I performed a tarot reading myself this evening actually. Since in this manor tarot and other forms of divination are part of the conversation I shall share my recent experience.
I haven't done this in years, but it was good to look at the cards again. I have been in a state of almost constant stress and uncertainty lately, and this was a helpful spiritual form of counsel for me. I found it cathartic, and the path forward seems a little clearer to me now. I feel hopeful.
I used my old friend The Hermetic Tarot deck to perform this reading. That's a 70s deck in the Golden Dawn tradition, and it always catches the eyes of friends because the cards are all black and white. I own other decks of cards, but this one I have a special kind of synergy with. After receiving this pack as a gift many years ago, it's the only deck I go to now, nothing else does it for me. Think of it as a wand in Olivander's shop choosing the wizard.
I did a reading about money matters, and the cards were straight to the point, as this deck always seems to be with me, answering almost everything in pentacles.
The first card of the reading was the Nine of Pentacles in the past position. This makes sense. This is the satisfaction card, it's comfort. As it translates to my life it was previously a time of abundance. It was easy, and I was sitting proud. I had savings, and felt secure.
In the present there's The Devil. This is a card that shows destructive emotional bondage and the trappings of our human weaknesses, the demons that plague us. This is not my favorite card to draw. I usually see it when I fall into a situation of adversity and feel powerless to do anything about it. It's shown up in readings for instance when I have been depressed over a breakup in romance, or when a loved one has died. In the context of the question I was asking and the cards surrounding it however, the Devil's not so scary this time.
I have been in heavy anxiety lately about the near future. I have also been wounded by others, including someone close to me, and it is actually connected to my economic situation too, worry has been eatting me alive, putting some dark thoughts in my head due. The devil is that insecurity. When you see the devil in a reading you must break free of something, and I think I know what it is. I am going to have to go after the things I want in life, and not stay in a situation of dependency. God bless the child that's got it's own. Which brings me to the next card...
The future is the 8 of Pentacles. That means hard work, dedication, improvement, and creating something of value. I currently have business endeavors underway, and the cards foreshadows the enterprise, some of the products I will be making, classes that will be taken, and the opportunity to put my talents on display. The future looks positive if I remain devoted to what I do. It will not be easy, but I'm building something. The message I should heed from the devil is that my life is in my own hands. Self-determination is my salvation.
For a clarification card/the outcome I drew the Ace of Pentacles. This is very assuring. This card is a new opportunity being offered, some money is coming in. So grants/commissions/payments. This card is very straightforward and it's something good. Though I haven't had much confidence and I have some development to do, which is why the devil shows himself to me, things will work out in an exciting way. This is prosperity and fresh beginnings. Very good sign for the family business.
So I am reflecting on the spiritual guidance I have received and grateful for it. I feel at peace tonight.
